About

Our History

The history of University First Class Painters is a journey of learning: with skills and know-how being gained over the many years of operations. Passing on this knowledge was the key to the years of our success because our clients, student managers, and staff have a valued experience.

University First Class Painters was first conceived in 1982 when our current President, Mike Benteau, and a couple of University friends started painting some neighborhood homes and businesses. Although not a huge financial success, it was a significant learning experience. Taking the gains from the first season, Mike successfully grew the business over the next couple of seasons by learning how to control the business and produce quality workmanship at a reasonable profit.

The tough lessons learned over these years were invaluable. These lessons brought the realization that this was important knowledge that others could use to produce quality work profitably from day one.

In 1986 the business had grown to the point where UFCP needed more help. At that point, the city of Halifax was divided into six areas, and managers were recruited to run the areas. This was the beginning of the student-based system. The first operation manuals, procedures, and systems were created to ensure that the new managers maintained our organization’s standards.

During these years of development, UFCP gained significant sales in the Halifax market, while perfecting customer service, marketing, and sales techniques along the way. Over the next four years, UFCP spread throughout the Maritime, establishing operations in Saint John, Moncton, Fredericton, Charlottetown, Truro, New Glasgow – Antigonish, the Annapolis Valley, and other smaller communities.

In the early 90s, the UFCP brand headed west, establishing in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Over the next ten years, the UFCP systems were further developed and enhanced to deliver consistency to clients and operators alike. In 2002 UFCP established itself in the province of Ontario. At that time, the first of our online systems were being planned and created.

In 2006 we brought our first online system into full operation. Our manager portal assisted managers in managing jobs, processing payrolls, controlling client care, and much more. Shortly after that, our online training resource came online, which facilitated managers’ and painters’ training. Over the next four years, a total revamp of training procedures and operational processes took place, further enhancing the system.

In 2006 we brought our first online system into full operation. Our manager portal assisted managers in managing jobs, processing payrolls, controlling client care, and much more. Shortly after that, our online training resource came online, which facilitated managers and painters’ training. Over the next four years, a total revamp of training procedures and operational processes took place, further enhancing the system.

In 2010, a plan was put in place to launch an online system that took the online operation from estimate creation to scheduling, production, and billing through to accounting. We launched the initial phases of this system in 2014 with the final ramp-up planned for the 2015 season. This cutting-edge technology shortened the learning curve for estimating while saving time, increasing sales, and making operations more profitable.